3 Day Trekking to Mt. Meru

The 3-day Mount Meru trek is an excellent choice for acclimatization before tackling Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at 4,568 meters, Meru is the third-highest mountain in Africa and the second-highest in Tanzania. This trek demands a good level of physical fitness, especially due to the challenging and lengthy summit day.

Located in the heart of Arusha National Park—one of Tanzania’s hidden gems—Mount Meru offers hikers the unique opportunity to encounter wildlife along the trail. The ascent is steep and adventurous, taking you across streams and through a variety of landscapes including open parkland, montane forest, giant heather, and moorland.

Our Mount Meru climbing tours range from 3 to 4 days, offering classic trekking experiences suited to different preferences. The final push to the summit takes you along a narrow, rugged ridge, offering breathtaking views of the dramatic Ash Cone far below in the crater.

3 Day Trekking to Mt. Meru

Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak and, depending on classification, Africa’s fifth-highest mountain, can be seen from Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day. Unlike the busy Kilimanjaro trails, Mount Meru offers a quieter, more intimate trekking experience—rich with wildlife sightings along the way, including zebras, giraffes, monkeys, and even elephants.

Day 0: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you’ll be met by our team for a private transfer to your hotel in Arusha. We’ll also ensure your required travel insurance and medical coverage are in place before your trek begins.

Day 1: Arusha to Miriakamba Hut (Full Board)

After breakfast, you’ll drive from your hotel in Arusha to Momela Gate in Arusha National Park. Following registration, your trek begins, accompanied by an armed ranger. Along the trail, you may encounter various wildlife such as elephants, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, and antelope. You’ll overnight at Miriakamba Hut.

Trekking time: 5–7 hours | Elevation: 2,500m

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (Full Board)

Today’s hike is shorter but steeper, leading you up to the Saddle Hut, which sits below Little Meru. The trail offers panoramic views of the crater and the dramatic Ash Cone. After lunch at the hut, there’s an optional short climb to Little Meru (3,820m) to catch beautiful sunset views.

Trekking time: 3–5 hours | Elevation: 3,500m

Day 3: Summit Attempt and Descent (Full Board)

Your summit day begins early, around 1:30 a.m., with a steep ascent to Rhino Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m), reaching the summit (4,566m) in time for a breathtaking sunrise and views of Kilimanjaro above the clouds. The final stretch follows a dramatic ridgeline between the crater’s sheer cliffs and outer slopes. After a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut, you’ll descend all the way to Momela Gate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha.

Trekking time: 12–14 hours

Departure Day

A private transfer is included from your hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport for your onward journey.